The Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham is celebrating its 25th anniversary and to mark the occasion has set up a fund to help projects in the town.
AVOW is raising money for the Silver Jubilee Make a Difference (MAD) Grant Fund.
Backed by Business Supporting Communities (B2C), AVOW is also calling on local businesses to donate what they can.
The aim is to raise £10,000 and all of the monies received will be redistributed to worthy causes which are making a difference in the county.
A small donation could make a big difference to one of these causes which, in turn is making a difference within our community.
John Gallanders, chief officer at AVOW said: “The fund is our way of saying thank you for all the support that third sector groups give to the community in Wrexham.
“It is fundraising for the third sector, not for AVOW, and every penny donated to the MAD grant fund will be redistributed to community and voluntary groups in Wrexham who will be able to submit their applications for their ‘Make a Difference’ project in the autumn.
“Even unsuccessful groups will benefit as all those who apply will be given a free place on one of our training courses.
“The cheques will be presented at our Christmas reception, during which the businesses who donate will be given a platform to display what they do.
“In addition to the MAD grant fund, we are also hosting a variety show at the William Aston Hall on November 22.
“An alternative way for businesses to show their support to the voluntary sector would be to sponsor a row of 12 seats at the event for which they will get four tickets and the other eight will be given to volunteers from an organisation of their choice.
“The hope is that, as well as making a difference with a single donation, we will be able to forge stronger links between businesses and their community.”
AVOW was set up in 1988 in a room within an office on Rhosddu Road.
Over the past 25 years it has grown into the one-stop shop for help, advice, support and resources for voluntary and community organisations across the county.
The association offers advice and guidance on matters ranging from governance to securing finance and also offers resources such as room and equipment hire.
“In 1988 a group of local people came together to recognise the need to put support in place for charities and voluntary organisations in what was the old Wrexham Maelor Borough,” Mr Gallanders added.
“There was an emphasis on volunteering in the community at this time and they wanted to provide a platform from which to share ideas and to provide help and support.
“AVOW has grown into the focal point for the third sector in Wrexham and our purpose remains very much the same – to provide help and support.”
B2C project officer Alison Roberts said: “Third sector groups in Wrexham make a huge difference to so many people in the county and it would be great if businesses could help to give something back through AVOW’s Silver Jubilee grant scheme.
“Even a small donation could make a massive difference to one of these groups so I would urge all businesses in Wrexham to get on board and do whatever they can.”
To donate, call into their office on Egerton Street, Wrexham or visit www.justgiving.com/AVOW-MAD-Grant.
Or you can text AVOW00 plus either 5 or 10 (for your donation value) to 70070. All of your donation will go into the grant scheme for distributing to voluntary and community groups across Wrexham in 2013.
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